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Iontophoresis in transepithelial cross-linking undergoing clinical study in France
PARIS — Three of the French Centers of Reference for Keratoconus, namely Bordeaux, Brest and Toulouse, are currently engaged in the clinical application of iontophoresis in transepithelial collagen cross-linking. More centers are expected to join the project shortly.
"Iontophoresis uses electrical current to enhance penetration of riboflavin into the cornea. Animal experiments have been carried out with encouraging results, and we are now ready to apply the technique in the human eye," Myriam Cassagne, MD, said at the meeting of the French Society of Ophthalmology.
Myriam Cassagne
Five patients have been treated so far with this method in the study, but it is still too early to disclose results, she said.
So far, the transepithelial method has shown poor results in cross-linking the corneal collagen, due to the barrier effect of the epithelium to the photosensitizing agent. Various ways of enhancing penetration have been tried but have not produced significant improvement. Iontophoresis is expected to be an effective solution.
"We are hoping that iontophoresis will allow us to perform effective [transepithelial cross-linking], avoiding the complications that are potentially related to the removal of the epithelium, such as infections and postoperative haze, and making the procedure virtually painless," Cassagne said.
Disclosure: Cassagne has no relevant financial disclosures.